Very Soft Gemstones – These stones are best suited for earrings or pendants. If you do wear one of these gems in a ring, even for occasional wear, they will likely have to be replaced from time to time. They will scratch with normal day-to-day wear. Some of the commonly used gems in this category include Apatite, Coral, Chrome Diopside, Nephrite Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Opal, Cultured Pearls, Turquoise, and Zircon. Opals are the most expensive of these gems, and in most cases repolishing them is less expensive than replacing them.

Soft Gemstones – These stones are best suited for earrings or pendants, but may be suitable for rings for occasional wear. If you do wear one of these gems in a ring on an every day basis they will likely have to be repolished or replaced from time to time. They will scratch if you have very active hands or wear them everyday. Some of the commonly used gems in this category include Agate, Garnet, Iolite, Jadeite, Peridot, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, Amethyst, Citrine, and all other Quartz.

Medium to Hard Gemstones – These stones are appropriate for all types of jewelry. They are suitable for everyday wear, but if you have very active hands, scratches and abrasion at the facet junctions may appear over a period of years. Some of the commonly used gems in this category include Alexandrite, Aquamarine, Emerald, all beryls, Spinel, genuine Topaz (Citrine is often called Topaz, but it is actually a Quartz), Chrysoberyl Cat’s-eye, and all other Chrysoberyls.

Hard Gemstones – These stones are appropriate for everyday wear in all types of jewelry. They are suitable for even the most active hands. I have seen scratches and abrasions at the facet junctions on these stones, but very rarely, and it is generally the result of some very unusual circumstances. Generally, these stones can be worn a lifetime without showing a scratch. This category is comprised of Diamond and all Sapphires including Ruby.